Fire and Explosion of an Ammonium Nitrate Transport Ship in Texas City

2 Fire and explosion of an ammonium nitrate transport ship in Texas City 3 7  

Evidence exists that ammonium nitrate had been handled without the knowledge that it could give rise to such terrible results. It will not ignite when one tries to ignite a small batch even a detonator cannot initiate its explosion under normal cirumstances. However, when ammonium nitrate is present in a large quantity and comes into contact with fire involving flammable goods in a confined space, it can produce a major explosion of the type seen in Texas City. 

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